TomTom Simplifies 2012 PND Lineup

By Joseph Palenchar -- TWICE, 1/10/2012

LAS VEGAS — TomTom is simplifying the number of series in its lineup of portable navigation devices to three series from four with the launch of the entry-level Start series, whose models ship in the spring.

Start will join the current midlevel VIA series and the top-end Go Live series, which incorporates embedded cellular modem to access Go Live services.

TomTom is phasing out its current entrylevel Ease series as well as its XL series, which was priced under the midlevel VIA series.

In the new Start series, TomTom is displaying the Start 45 with 4.3-inch screen and the Start 55 with 5-inch screen, both with maps of the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Designed for basic navigation, the series offers Tom- Tom’s map database, NAV2 routing engine, and variations of the basic models with free lifetime RDS-TMC traffic service (designated by an T in the model number), free lifetime maps (designated by an M), or both included in the up-front price. Prices start at a suggested $119.

The NAV2 engine continuously monitors traffic, enabling users to manually select an alternate route when traffic is slow. With the NAV3 engine in the step-up VIA and Go Live series, drivers are informed of the best alternative route, which pops up on screen with an option to select it.

One new entry-level feature appearing in the Start series is the sideloading of nationwide fuel-price updates from a PC. TomTom provides weekly updates that users can download to their PC.

TomTom is making no changes right now to its midlevel VIA series, which began shipping in the first quarter of 2011. It adds safety features such as voice recognition and hands-free Bluetooth as well as the company’s NAV3 high-speed algorithm for instant route planning, a spokesperson said. When the PNDs launched, their suggested retails ranged from $169 to $249, including model variations with free lifetime maps or free lifetimes RDS-TMC traffic or both.

The top-end Go Live series consists of two models at a suggested $249 and $349, both with included lifetime map updates and embedded AT&T cellular modem to receive Tom- Tom’s own recently launched HD (High Density) Traffic service and a variety of other Go Live services, including Yelp, Trip Advisor, Expedia, and a Twitter connection designed only to let users automatically send an estimated time of arrival to other Twitter users.

The services also include Google Local Search, fuel-price updates and five-day weather forecasts.

TomTom’s HD Traffic service is promoted as delivering traffic updates more frequently than rival traffic services, covering far more markets, and delivering traffic information about more roadways within those markets, the company said.

Go Live service costs $59.95/year, but a free 12-month subscription is included with the purchase of a compatible PND.